COMMANDER'S CALL

Victor de la Rosa,
Commander, American Legion Post 132

Greetings all:

Thanks to everyone who came out to restage our 1930s photo in front of the Post! We had a great time.

As I mentioned before, our Post will be hosting a luncheon for about 100 active-duty Sailors for Fleet Week. If you want to help or just come out and thank them for their service, it will be Thursday, May 22 from 12:00-1:00pm.

For the Legionnaires we will have second nominations and elections for new officers at our general meeting. Any Legionnaires that want to be on the board, you need to be at the meeting and bring your DD 214.

Don’t forget to check our website at orangepost132.com for events coming up at our post.

Thank you.

Victor de la Rosa,
Commander, Post 132
victorplcnt@yahoo.com
714-227-5977

2ND VICE VENTURES

John Schutz
2nd Vice Commander, American Legion Post 132

Hi Everyone,

Just a reminder that at the Legion Meeting (Thursday May 8) we will be having 2nd nominations and voting to select next year’s post officers. This is your chance to select the people you want to represent you and make decisions about our post.

We have some major events coming up and are still working hard putting fun events together for you and would realty appreciate your support by attending some of the events. Here is a sneak peek:

MAJOR EVENTS coming our way:

MAY 26 MON – MEMORIAL DAY OPEN HOUSE / POT LUCK
JUN 16 MON - FLAG TOUR ARRIVES FROM VISTA 12:00
JULY 23 – JULY 27 – LEGION BASEBALL
JULY 26 SAT - VETERAN RESOURCE FAIR 11-3
AUG 16 SAT – CASINO NIGHT 6-11 PM HALL
AUG 29 FRI & AUG 31 MON – STREET FAIR
SEPT 20 SAT - 2.2 MILE SUICIDE AWARENESS WALK
OCT 2 – 5 – WALL THAT HEALS COMES TO ORANGE

FUN EVENTS:

MAY 11 SUN - SONS MOTHERS DAY BREAKFAST 9-11AM FRENCH TOAST & Champagne
MAY 12 MON – POKER NIGHT 6-8 PM
MAY 15 THUR - BINGO 6-8 PM
MAY 18 SUN – WINE TASTING 12 – 2 PM
MAY 22 THUR - LINE DANCING 6-8 PM
MAY 24 SAT – SCAVENGER HUNT 11 – 2 PM
MAY 29 THURS - TRIVIA 6-8

Here are the events for MAY 2025:

MAY 1 THURS - LEGION EXECUTIVE MEETING 7 PM
MAY 2 FRI - SONS DINNER ENCHILADAS / TAQUITOS RICE BEANS 6-7:30 PM
MAY 3 SAT – AUX POST CLEANUP DAY 9 AM – 2 PM
MAY 4 SUN - LEGION BREAKFAST 9-11AM PANCAKES, EGGS, BACON
MAY 5 MON – CINCO DE MAYO WITH STREET NACHOS
MAY 8 THURS - LEGION MTG 7 PM
MAY 9 FRI – RIDERS DINNER LASAGNA & GARLIC BREAD 6-7:30 PM
MAY 10 SAT – RIDERS MTG 0830 AM
MAY 10 SAT – AVU MTG 11-12
MAY 11 SUN - SONS MOTHERS DAY BREAKFAST 9-11AM FRENCH TOAST & CHAMPAGNE
MAY 12 MON – POKER NIGHT 6-8 PM
MAY 13 TUE – SONS MEETING 6 PM
MAY 14 WED - POST CLEANUP DAY 9 AM – 2 PM
MAY 14 WED – AUX MTG 6 PM
MAY 15 THURS - BINGO 6-8 PM
MAY 16 FRI - LEGION DINNER 6-7:30 PM FRIED CHICKEN
MAY 16 FRI - BAND 7-11 PM
MAY 16 FRI - DOG TAG NIGHT (FREE DRINK)
MAY 18 SUN – AUX BREAKFAST 9-11:30 AM BURRITOS – EGGS, SAUSAGE, CHEESE, POTATOES
MAY 18 SUN – WINE TASTING 12 – 2 PM
MAY 18 SUN – UMAVA SCHOLARSHIP DANCE 2-7
MAY 19 MON - CALENDAR UPDATE MTG (6:30 PM)
MAY 22 THURS - LINE DANCING 6-8 PM
MAY 22 THURS – FLEET WEEK SERVICEMEMBER LUNCH 12:00
MAY 23 FRI – AUX DINNER 6-7:30 PM BEEF TACO BOWL – SHREDDED BEEF, BEANS, RICE
MAY 24 SAT – SCAVENGER HUNT 11 – 2 PM
MAY 25 SUN - RIDERS BREAKFAST FRENCH TOAST & EGGS 9-11 AM
MAY 25 SUN – FOOD, MUSIC, & VENDORS PROVIDED BY VALOR-EST2022
MAY 26 MON – MEMORIAL DAY OPEN HOUSE / POT LUCK
MAY 29 THURS - TRIVIA 6-8
MAY 30 FRI – AVU DINNER CHILI RELLENO CASSEROLE 6-7:30 PM
MAY 31 SAT – AVU SCHOLARSHIP 11-2

IMPORTANT DATES:

May 1, 2025 - Silver Star Banner Day – Per Congressional resolution, it is an “Official Day to honor wounded, ill, and injured Veterans”.
May 9, 2025 – Military Spouse Appreciation Day – This date recognizes the service and sacrifices of military spouses.
May 13, 2025 – Children of Fallen Patriots Day – A Day to honor the children left behind by the brave men and women who gave their lives while defending our freedom.
May 17, 2025 – Armed Forces Day Observed on the third Saturday every May, this is a day dedicated to paying tribute to men and women currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
May 26, 2025 – Memorial Day A solemn occasion to honor the men and women who died while serving in the military.

John Schutz

2nd Vice Commander

949-870-2084

jschutziv@outlook.com

ADJUTANT'S AGENDA

Brian Johnson
Adjutant, American Legion Post 132

If you missed the April General Meeting, you missed a very important opportunity to help your Post shape it's future. During the April meeting, we had first nominations for Post officers for the 25/26 Legion Year. Fortunately, you still have one more opportunity to lend you wisdom and energy to the process by attending our May General Meeting. At the May meeting, we will accept second nominations and hold the election. All elected positions are open available and we are always looking for fresh ideas and perspectives that will help to guide our Post into the future. Please consider becoming part of the Post leadership team.

The following nominations were submitted:

Commander - John Schutz
1st VC (Membership) - Chris Padilla
2nd VC (Ways & Means) - Victor Munoz
3rd VC (Americanism, Children and Youth Programs) - Mel Ramon
Finance Officer - Susan Wood

Executive Committee (4 positions)

Ken Craner
Gerrardo Robledo
Tom Duprey
Bill Springfield

In addition to the elected positions, many of the appointed positions will be available. They include:

Adjutant
Sgt at Arms
Chaplain
Judge Advocate

If you are considering an elected or appointed position, you need to be a member in good standing (eligible to be a member of the Legion & paid current dues). If you have any questions about these positions, reach out to one of us and we will be very happy to discuss ways that you can make a difference for our Post. At the very least, please come out and cast your vote for our future and enjoy camaraderie with your fellow Veterans.

Until then, I will see you down at the Post.

Brian "Spidey" Johnson

Post 132 Adjutant

adjutantdist29@gmail.com

JUDGE ADVOCATE'S JOURNAL

John Minnella
Judge Advocate, American Legion Post 132

Comrades and Friends!

As your Post Judge I am responsible for monitoring the legal affairs and issues of our Post and making appropriate recommendations to our Post Commander, Executive Committee and Membership.

One area of Post responsibility and concern is our Museum founded and first directed by our beloved late Legionnaire brother and Post 132 member Leo OUELLETTE, for whom the Museum is named. After Leo’s passing, the volunteer curator responsibility was assumed by Frank COOK after a long period without any curator. Like Leo, Frank takes this responsibility very, very seriously and with unique dedication. Our Museum contains many very old, irreplaceable and valuable items.

People bring items to the Museum every day for many reasons: family heirlooms with no one left to maintain the items, or because they want to share a bit of family history with the public, and other reasons. They assume the items will be respected and the Post does its best to maintain, display and protect whatever is received. Whatever is received and accepted is regarded as irrevocably donated and and ownership and title to that property passes to Post 132 without recourse or rescission. The Post will always do its best to protect the items and honor and comply with the wishes of the donor(s), but it cannot be otherwise responsible to others for the donated items in any way.

So, I urge you to consider carefully the above before and when you donate items to the Museum. Items can be stolen, broken, damaged, lost or whatever. That is unfortunate but reality and we do not want anyone to think or assume differently.

Remember our mutual commitment to the Preamble to the American Legion Constitution and the Legion’s Four Pillars (Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation; National Security; Americanism; Children & Youth); and most of all remember our commitment to our Constitution and Country.

Post 132 continues to operate ever mindful of any and all legalities. Should you become aware of some potential legal problem for the Post, please inform me at your earliest opportunity so it can be addressed. If I can be of any help to you, feel free to contact me 24/7/365.

John “Juancho” Minnella

Post 132 (#85) & District 29 Immediate Past Commander;

Post 132 & Department of California Judge Advocate.

Tel: 714/543-9005;

Email: drjminnella@yahoo.com.

CHAPLAIN'S CHAT

Dave Anderson
Chaplain, American Legion Post 132

Globally there are 19 major religions, divided in turn into 10,000 religious groups. Each group claims to be the holder of the Truth. If one of them really holds the Truth, that means there are about 9,999 false religious groups.

Therefore, the individual chances of belonging to a false religion are very high indeed. However, there are voices according to which all religions lead you to God or to that Mystery that transcends tangible reality, the only difference being that they do this in different ways.

In other words, in every corner of the world, people nurture this feeling of the ineffable in more or less similar forms, and regardless of the chosen religion, the outcome is the same. Some have come to call themselves Christians, others Muslims, Buddhists or Hindus, but, in essence — according to the followers of religious pluralism — all religions teach you to be good, to find your balance and meaning in life and, consequently, they are all…good.

“They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

John 4: 5-8

Chaplain Dave

anderson21us@yahoo.com

(714) 294-9245

CURATOR'S CORNER

Frank Cook
Museum Curator / Past Commander, American Legion Post 132

Artifacts from Our Museum

This month’s “Artifact from our Museum” is actually a collection of 13 items. They will be displayed in our museum’s front room on Monday, May 26, during our Memorial Day Celebration.

Each United States war will be recognized by a “Tombstone” reflecting the name of the war and the dates it was fought along with the statistics of both killed and wounded on each. In front of each tombstone will be the following artifacts:

American Revolution (1775-1781): Flintlock Pistol
War of 1812 (1812-1815): 1812 Musket
Mexican War (1846-1848): 1848 Spanish Bayonet
Civil War (1861-1865): 1862 Springfield Rifle
Spanish American War (1898): 1898 Morgan Dollar
Philippine War (1899-1904): Gun Belt & Buckle
World War One (1917-1918): US and German Grenades
World War Two (1941-1945): Sand from all 5 D-Day Beaches
Korean War (1950-1953): Cold Weather Pants
Vietnam War (1959-1974): Claymore Mine
Gulf War (1990-1991): Newspapers
Iraq War (2003-2011): NBC Mask
Afghanistan (2001-2021): Navy Flight Deck Helmet

I invite you to come in and reflect for a moment among items that are from “that time” and “that war.” They were all held by someone other than you “back in the day,” so come touch and feel history… and maybe even connect with that veteran from the past.

It is said that; “Everyone dies twice. Once on their initial passing from this life. The second is the last time someone speaks their name or remembers them.”

God Bless all the family, comrades and friends we have lost throughout our country’s wars. Let us NEVER FORGET THEIR SACRIFICE to give “us” what we all have today; Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness!

Reflective Memorial Day to all,

Frank Cook

Museum Curator / Past Commander

(657) 468-5566

AUXILIARY ACTION

Diana Trujillo
Event Planner, American Legion Post 132

Happy May,

I would like to thank our Bling Lady Stephanie for coming out with her amazing shirts. It was a fun afternoon getting our orders created with her. I can’t wait to get mine in the mail.

If you weren’t at our auxiliary meeting, we had first nominations for all officers and e-board. We also nominated and voted Cheryl Sepulveda as Auxiliary member of the year. (Please see article below)

Our Auxiliary Breakfast was a great turnout on April 13th. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped that day!

The Kids Easter Party was held on April 19th and was full of energy! It was so nice to have a face painter this year, a fun craft, and a couple games, the kids really enjoyed it. Thank you, Melissa, for organizing and running the kids’ Easter Party. Many Thanks to all the ladies who came out to help with set up, decorations, serving food, and clean up. The kids also had a nice visit with the Easter Bunny.

Our Auxiliary Dinner was amazing! We sold 30 steaks and 24 Pork Chop dinners all before 7pm. Thank you, Chef Sean, for cooking our steaks and all our volunteers, that shopped, cooked, served, and cleaned. Great Teamwork.

As we start off May let’s all reflect on National Poppy Day!

This day is designated as the Friday before Memorial Day, and it's time to wear a red poppy to honor those who have served and died for our country in all wars. It reminds Americans of the sacrifices made by our veterans while protecting our freedoms.

Auxiliary Breakfast will be on Saturday May 18th this month. (3rd Saturday, due to Mother’s Day).

Auxiliary Dinner: May 23rd and we are honored to host the student veteran’s graduates from SCC for their dinner. It will be a packed house so we will need a lot of volunteers.

Cheryl Sepulveda Named 2024–2025 Auxiliary Member of the Year

The 2024–2025 Auxiliary Member of the Year award has been proudly presented to Cheryl Sepulveda, a truly dedicated and indispensable member of our team. Cheryl has demonstrated extraordinary commitment, leadership, and service throughout the year, embodying the very spirit of the Auxiliary.

From the moment Cheryl stepped into her role as First Vice, she made an immediate impact. She took the reins as Membership Chair, working tirelessly to grow and strengthen our organization. Her dedication to communication has kept members informed and engaged, with her weekly emails becoming a trusted and anticipated source of updates and inspiration.

Behind the scenes, Cheryl has been a powerhouse, ensuring the success of numerous events through her technical expertise and organizational skills. Whether it was coordinating the technology for the prestigious National President’s Dinner or stepping in to support Post events whenever needed, Cheryl has been the reliable force that kept things running smoothly.

Her volunteer spirit shines even brighter at Auxiliary breakfasts, dinners, and countless other events, where her presence and hard work are a constant. Cheryl’s willingness to pitch in wherever needed and her genuine care for the Auxiliary and its mission make her a beloved and respected leader among her peers.

Cheryl Sepulveda’s contributions this year have set a high standard of excellence, and her unwavering support has left a lasting impact on our organization. We are honored to recognize her as the 2024–2025 Auxiliary Member of the Year and are grateful for everything she brings to our Auxiliary family.

Congratulations, Cheryl, and thank you for your outstanding service!

Diana

Auxiliary President

SONS SPOTLIGHT

James Gomez
Commander, Sons of the American Legion Post 132

Mark your calendars! Our next Sons meeting on Tuesday, May 13th at 6PM is particularly important to attend. This will be our last meeting of the 2024-2025 year, as we'll be dark on Tuesday, June 10th due to the Installation of Officers happening on Thursday, June 12th.

This meeting is crucial because we'll be conducting second nominations for the officers of the 2025-2026 year. Your participation ensures your voice is heard in selecting next year's leadership.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration - Friday, May 2nd

Join us THIS FRIDAY, May 2nd, as the Post hosts a special Cinco de Mayo celebration! The festivities begin with a live mariachi band from 6-7PM, followed by a DJ spinning tunes from 7-10PM.

We'll be serving a delicious dinner with options including:

Steaks ($20)

Homemade taquitos with beans and rice ($15)

Tamales with beans and rice ($15)

Bring your friends and family for a night of great food and entertainment!

Special Mother's Day Breakfast - Sunday, May 11th

We've traded our usual third Sunday breakfast schedule with the Auxiliary this month so we can serve on Mother's Day! Join us on Sunday, May 11th from 9AM-11AM for a special French toast breakfast with complimentary champagne. What better way to celebrate the mothers in our community?

Member Update - Paris Davis

We're pleased to report that our member Paris Davis, who was hit by a car while bicycling, is showing improvement. He's expected to return home this month, although his physical therapy will be ongoing. We wish him well and look forward to welcoming him back to our meetings soon.

Upcoming Schedule Reminders

NO MEETING on Tuesday, June 10th
Installation of Officers: Thursday, June 12th at 7PM (all members encouraged to attend)
Friday Dinner: June 6th
Sunday Breakfast: June 8th
Cinco de Mayo Celebration - Friday, May 2nd

James Gomez

Sons Commander, Post 132
buglepost1312@gmail.com

RIDERS ROUNDUP

John Schutz
Director, ALR Chapter 132

Hello Riders:

Here is our Schedule for May 2025 so far:

MAY 9 – FRI - Riders Dinner LASAGNA & GARLIC BREAD (Help setup 1:30 Dinner 6-7:30]
MAY 10 – SAT - Riders Meeting (0830) – second nominations and voting of officers - RIDE: AFTER MTG.
MAY 19 Sat – RIDE TBD at next meeting; MEET 0830 RIDE 0900
MAY 25 – SUN - Riders Breakfast FRENCH TOAST & EGGS (Setup 0700 – Breakfast (8:30 – 1100)

John Schutz

ALR Chapter 132 Director

9949-870-2084

jschutziv@outlook.com

EVENT PLANNER'S PERSPECTIVE

Diana Trujillo
Event Planner, American Legion Post 132

Happy May,

With the warmer weather we hope to see more of you at the Post. There is something for everyone.

Tacos and Karaoke is every Tuesday from 6-9pm. Our taco ladies work hard to make delicious tacos for us, come down and eat with us.

Thursday night is Burger night, and we have Bingo on the 3rd Thursday and Line dancing on the 4th Thursday.

Our Poor Man's spaghetti dinner on Tax Day had a great turnout. Thank you to everyone who participated!

If you made it out for steak dinner on April 18th then you were able to hear the sounds of the band Kings of Rhythm.

Trivia Night on Saturday April 26th was great! Joyce and Rita did a great job creating and running our Post game. Congratulations to Stacey and Steve Bradley for winning first place!

Our College Veteran Cornhole tournament was a blast! Thank you for all those that came out to support and cheer everyone on. Thank you, Courtney, for assisting me with keeping score. Congratulations to our winners Logan Joyce and James Gomez!

Here is our lineup for May:

On Friday May 2nd (Son’s Dinner) we have a Cinco de Mayo early treat for you all! Mariachi Band Los Potrillos OC will be playing from 6-7pm. We will also have margarita specials at the Cantina.
Poker Night on Monday May 12th 6-8pm
Bingo Thursday May 15th 6-8pm
Wrestling Saturday May 17th 6pm-10pm
We are excited to have Wine tasting hosted by Seis Soles Wine Co. Wine maker Chris Rivera is located at his store Wine & Wax in the circle at 146 S. Glassel. Join us on Sunday May 18th from 12-2 to sample Chri’s winemaking sensibilities. Fee is $20.00. Bottles of wine will be available for purchase at the event.
FLEET WEEK: We are honored to provide these 100 service members with lunch as they visit our community of Orange on Thursday May 22nd at noon. If you would like to volunteer to help prep and serve lunch, then please reach out to John Schutz or Diana Trujillo.

Friday May 23rd is National Poppy Day, and we welcome the Santiago College Veterans Graduation as they have dinner at our Post. Enjoy the music of Roadhouse from 7-11pm

Saturday May 24th from 12-2pm is our Post first annual Scavenger Hunt hosted by John Schutz. Only $5 to play

Sunday May 25th – We are honored to host Valor from 2pm-10pm both outside and in our Clubroom, with vendors, food, and live music. Visit www.valor-est2022.com for more information.

Memorial Day Monday May 26th: Join us at Old Santa Ana Cemetery at 10am as we honor those who have passed. Potluck immediately follows in the Post Clubroom. Please bring a dish to share.

Trivia will be back on Thursday May 29th from 6-8pm

Phil Shane is back! Friday May 30th from 6:30-11pm During AVU’s Dinner.

Diana Trujillo

Event Coordinator

dtrujillo5280@gmail.com

Where we come from: A Conversation with Theodore Robinson and Joyce Yrigoyen

By Diana Trujillo

Recently, I had the honor of sitting down with Theodore James Robinson, a U.S. Army veteran, and his daughter, Joyce Yrigoyen, to discuss Theodore’s military service, the lasting impact it had on his life and family, and how both continue to serve the veteran community today. As a member of the Auxiliary, it is important to know where we come from.

A Legacy of Service

Theodore Robinson proudly served for over two years in the U.S. Army as a tandem rotor helicopter mechanic. After training at Fort Rucker, Alabama, he was stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska, where he experienced some of the coldest weather imaginable—living in World War II-era Quonset huts and enduring temperatures that plummeted to 60 degrees below zero.

Among his most memorable moments was participating in a rescue operation on Mount Whitney, where helicopters like his were the only aircraft capable of flying at such high altitudes. Later, Theodore’s unit was prepared to deploy to Vietnam, but as his discharge date approached, he opted not to reenlist— a decision influenced by the increasing dangers of the conflict.

Despite the hardships, Theodore described his service years positively, filled with camaraderie, discipline, and valuable life lessons. “It was a good learning experience. No regrets. Very few bad memories," he shared.

Life After Service

Transitioning back to civilian life was a seamless move for Theodore. He began working for the Bell System, installing central office communications equipment—a career path he found fulfilling and stable. His disciplined military mindset helped him succeed in his civilian life, an ethic he also passed on to his family.

One key lesson he carried from his service was the "Golden Rule"—treating others as you wish to be treated—a philosophy he attributes to his time in the Army.

Reflections on Brotherhood and Change

While strong bonds were formed during his time in service, keeping in touch with fellow servicemen after returning home proved difficult. “We all spread out across the country,” he explained. Yet the memories and shared experiences remained deeply ingrained.

Theodore also reflected on how public perception of veterans has improved over the years. “Today, veterans are treated with more respect than during the Vietnam era,” he noted, recalling the difficult reception many Vietnam veterans faced upon returning home.

A Daughter’s Perspective

Joyce grew up deeply aware of her father's military service, though Theodore had completed his service before marrying. She credits her father with instilling in her a strong work ethic, a sense of discipline, and pride in her country.

Looking for ways to give back and connect with the community, Joyce joined the American Legion Auxiliary. She initially sought a way to stay active and meet new friends—but soon found deep fulfillment in supporting veterans and their families. Joyce now plays a vital role in tracking and coordinating volunteer efforts, helping bring awareness and support to veterans in the community.

“The most rewarding part is seeing the pride our veterans have in their service, and being able to stand beside them,” Joyce shared emotionally. “It’s about honoring that pride and sharing it with the next generation.”

Building a Stronger Community

Both Theodore and Joyce emphasized the importance of community support for veterans, particularly in areas like mental health and healthcare. They expressed hope that more young people would get involved, whether by enlisting for educational opportunities or by volunteering in organizations like the Auxiliary.

When asked what advice he would give future generations, Theodore encouraged young people to join a branch of the military that offers skills training. "There's so much you can learn—from aviation mechanics to repairing musical instruments for military bands. You never know where it might take you," he said.

A Proud Legacy

In closing, Theodore simply wishes for his service to be remembered as a positive chapter in his life—a time of growth, resilience, and meaningful experiences.

Joyce, reflecting on her father’s journey and her own role in the Auxiliary, expressed deep pride in being part of the veterans' community. “It’s about carrying on the legacy. It’s about standing beside people who feel the same pride and honoring those who served,” she said.

Through service, both in uniform and beyond, Theodore and Joyce demonstrate how dedication to community and country can span generations, creating a legacy that continues to inspire.

The Bugle

May 2025 - The Bugle